Garments having lightly lined portions with a concealer and related methods

ABSTRACT

Garments wit lightly portions with a concealer and related methods are provided herein. For example, a garment can be provided that comprises a thin, drapeable exterior fabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment and structural seams that hold the exterior fabric to other sections of the garment. The garment also comprises a disc concealer being secured to an interior portion of the garment without being connected at the structural seams at a position where reproductive area of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing the garment to added a thin extra layer around the interior area of the garment where the reproductive region is intended to reside.

RELATED APPLICATION

The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/796,797, filed Jan. 25, 2018,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to garments for women or menand related methods. In particular, the present subject matter relatesto garments, such as swimwear, undergarments, shirts, and dresses,having upper and/or lower portions that include a concealer to addmodesty to the garment.

BACKGROUND

The early 1800's marked the beginning of a revolution in swim wear whenAmericans flocked to the beaches for seaside recreation. The firstswimsuits consisted of bloomers and black stockings. By 1855, drawerswere added to prevent the problem of exposure. Women still refrainedfrom swimming too much with the prevailing attitude of the day beingthat only men should swim. This prevailing attitude gradually began tochange making it more acceptable for women to swim while incrementalimprovements were being made in the cut of the suit itself. By the1880's the “Princess” cut swimsuit was introduced consisting of a blouseand trousers in one piece. The skirts were traded in for cotton-likepants. There was also a separate skirt that fell below the knee andbuttoned at the waist to conceal the figure. A ruffled cap or a strawhat completed the ensemble. Soon after, new swimsuits were developedthat relied heavily on the form of the “fashionable” body, graduallyexposing more and more skin. In those days, women were still compelledto conceal their bodies so as to be “modest.” These suits were made fromheavy flannel fabric that was both opaque and sturdy enough to not risewith the water.

By the end of the 19th century, swimming had become an “art,” as well asan intercollegiate and Olympic sport. With such developments, thebeginning of the twentieth century marked a new daring era in swim wearfor women and a realization that the current swimwear lineup had beendesigned without functionality in mind. As the sport grew, swimsuitsbecame more streamlined and less heavy, paving the way for styles tocome. In 1909, Australian Annette Kellerman was arrested in the UnitedStates for wearing a loose, one-piece suit that became the generallyaccepted swimsuit for women by 1910. After that swimsuits began thetrend of becoming lighter and briefer. The apron disappeared by 1918,leaving a tunic covering the shorts. Even though matching stockings werestill worn, bare legs were exposed from the bottom of the trunks to thetop of the shorts. With the Roaring 20's following World War I, therewas a large increase in appreciation of recreation and the spending ofleisure time leading to swimsuits for women showing more skin.

With the introduction of bikinis after World War II, the female bathingsuit became more and more revealing. While styles have changed overtime, the use of more revealing swimwear has remained in favor to thisday. Additionally, the development and use of materials such as nylonand Lycra allowed the use of thinner and more drapeable, sheer and moreform-fitting fabrics in the swimwear. With thinner and more fine gaugefabrics, modesty issues can arise depending on the swimsuit wearer. Thethinner and more fine gauge fabrics tend to be less concealing and morerevealing especially around the reproductive regions of the femaleanatomy. Generally speaking, American swimwear is overly padded andconstructed because American women prefer to cover their reproductiveregions and not are comfortable with their breast, and particularlytheir nipples, showing through a lightly lined swimsuit.

Therefore, a need exists for thin-fabric garments, particularlyswimwear, that can provide a high level of drape, stretch and/or a moreform fit for the wearer while at the same time provide concealment forparts of the body of the wearer that the wearer would like not to bedisplayed through the fabric of the garment to deliver modest anddiscreet comfort for the wearer.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide garments, such asswimwear, undergarments, shirts, and dresses, having upper and/or lowerportions that include a concealer to add modesty to the garment.

While objects of the presently disclosed subject matter have been statedhereinabove, which can be achieved in whole or in part by the presentlydisclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as thedescription proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter to one ofordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in theremainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanyingfigures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of topportion of a garment showing where an embodiment of a disc concealer canbe positioned to provide modesty to the wearer of the garment accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of agarment top with an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within brafronts of the garment top to provide modesty to the wearer of thegarment according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe garment top according to FIG. 2A taken along the lines AA showingthe layers of an exterior fabric and the disc concealer within aninterior of the bra front of the garment;

FIG. 3 illustrates top plan views of different embodiments of discconcealers according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of agarment top with an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within brafronts of the garment top to provide modesty to the wearer of thegarment according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe garment top according to FIG. 4A taken along the lines AA showingthe layers of an exterior fabric and the disc concealer within aninterior of an interior of the bra front of the garment;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate views of embodiments of a garment bottom that canhave embodiments of disc concealers secured therein to provide modestyto a female wearer according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 6A illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a brafront portion of a garment top showing the composition and applicationof an embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra frontaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a brafront portion of a garment top showing the composition and applicationof another embodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the brafront according to the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6C illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a brafront portion of a garment top showing application of an additionalembodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6D illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a brafront portion of a garment top showing application of a furtherembodiment of a disc concealer positioned within the bra front accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a garmentin the form of a t-shirt showing application of an embodiment of a discconcealer positioned on an interior of he t-shirt according to thesubject matter disclosed herein.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the presentsubject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in the picturesand figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter andnot as a limitation. In fact, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield still afurther embodiment. It is intended that the present subject matter coversuch modifications and variations.

Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, back, etc. may beused herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region,layer or section from another feature, element, component, region, layeror section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer orsection discussed below could be termed a second feature, element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the disclosure herein.

Similarly, in the present disclosure, when a feature, element,component, region, layer and/or section is being described as “top”,“bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” etc., it should be understood thatsuch terms are relative and not absolute. Thus, something that isdescribed with the adjective of “top” may also be considered on a sideor a bottom depending on the orientation of the larger subject beingdescribed. Additionally, when a feature, element, component, region,layer and/or section is being described as “under,” “on,” or “over”another feature, element, component, region, layer and/or section, it isto be understood that the features, elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections can either be directly contacting each other orhave another feature, element, component, region, layer and/or sectionbetween the them, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Similarly,directional movement, such as “back and forth,” “forward,” “backward,”“up,” “down,” or the like are to be understood as relative descriptionsthat can change depending on the orientation of the subject matterrelative to the viewer. Thus, these terms are simply describing therelative position of the features, elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections to each other and do not necessarily mean an absoluteposition or direction since the relative position above or below dependsupon the orientation of the subject matter to the viewer.

Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described hereinwith reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may beidealized. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions offeatures, elements or components within the illustrations as a resultof, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/orpositions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figuresmay also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted or simplified tofacilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, thefeatures, elements or components illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intendedto illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and arenot intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The term “disc concealer” as used herein means a thin, drapeable, andstretchable fabric, wearable film, or combination thereof, that is flatand pliable and has a shape that provides modesty coverage of an area ofa garment intended to cover reproductive regions of a wearers body.

The term “bra front” as used herein means the front portion of a garmentconfigured for receiving a breast of a female wearer.

The term “cup” as used herein means the front portion of a garmentconfigured for receiving a breast of a female wearer. The terms “cup”and “bra front” are used interchangeably herein with bra fronts and cupscomprise fabric or other non-foam material.

The term “sheer fabric” as used herein means a thin, fine gauge fabricthat has a high level of drapeability that can conform to or drape offof a wearer's body depending of the construction of the garment in whichthe fabric is used.

The term “lightly lined garment” as used herein means a garment havingan inner liner that comprises a fabric having a weight of about 10oz./yd.² or less.

The term “structural seam(s)” as used herein means one or more seamsthat are critical to the structure and functionality of a garment thatallow the garment to function as a garment. Examples of structural seamsinclude, but are not limited to, sleeve seams, neckline seams, and sideseams on shirts and dress and seams holding front, back, and/or sidesections of undergarments, swimwear or the like.

The term “non-structural seam(s)” as used herein means one or more seamsthat are not critical to the structure or functionality of a garmentfunctioning as a garment.

To give further context, the marketplace is currently populated withbras with permanent foam cups, bras with removable floating cups, andlined bras. The bras with permanent foam cups have large pads that addan unnatural looking shape, but some women like them for the modestycoverage or for their ability to reshape the bustline. With bras withremovable foam floating cups, the removable pads are inserted into apocket on the side of each cup of the bra. These bras are meant to beallow the consumer to wear the garment the way that she prefers. Mostwearers find that the pad gets crunched, floats around, or is visiblethrough the garment. The lined bras have a single liner against theexterior fabric with no padding or extra liners. The lined bra has asimple construction with the single liner lining the bra fronts.Consumers who prefer a natural look, or who don't like much constructionlike the lined bra, but many feel as if the lined bra does not quitegive enough modesty coverage.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to different embodiments ofstrategically designed garments of sheer fabrics for women such as bras,undergarments, and swimwear having lightly lined upper portions and/orlower portions that include a disc concealer to add modesty to agarment, such as a lightly lined garment. The garment when worn coversat least one or more reproductive regions of a female wearer. Thegarment can comprise a thin, drapeable and stretchable exterior fabricthat forms an exterior portion of the garment. In some embodiments, thegarment can comprise a disc concealer having a thickness that is thesame or less than a thickness of the thin exterior fabric that forms theexterior portion of the garment. In some embodiments, the garment cancomprise a disc concealer having a thickness that is about at mostdouble the thickness of the thin exterior fabric that forms the exteriorportion of the garment. The disc concealer can be secured to an interiorportion of the thin exterior fabric at a position where a reproductiveregion of the female wearer is intended to reside within the garment toadd a thin pliable extra layer to further conceal the reproductiveregion of the male or female wearer and is not secured to a structuralseam that holds the sections of the garment together. In someembodiments of female garments that have bra fronts therein, the garmentcan have a first liner comprising a thin fabric that is secured to aninterior portion of the thin exterior fabric that forms the exterior cupportion, or bra front, on a frontal portion of the garment and the discconcealer can be secured to an interior portion of the first liner at adistance from the structural seams. The garment can be underpants, bras,shirt or dresses that directly contact the body of the wearer, bikingshorts, yoga pants, workout pants, one-piece swimsuit, the tops andbottoms of two-piece swimsuits. For example, with bras or swim suittops, the idea is to add an additional layer of fabric just over thecenter of the bra fronts that do not extend to the seams that hold thesections of the garment together as a modesty layer for the purpose ofmodesty just over the nipple area of the swimwear or intimates bra, butwithout adding bulk, for example, in the neckline or armhole seam, suchas a third layer of lining, a bra pad, etc. The purpose is to keep theswim bra natural looking on the outside by removing extra padding orthickness that adds bulk and waste fabrics. The disc concealer adds anextra modesty layer only where it's needed. While these disc concealerscan be used in other garments and areas of men and women garments,further explanation is provided herein with reference mainly to garmenttops.

Referring to FIG. 1, a shear fitting garment in the form of a swimsuitupper portion, or a swimwear bra, generally designated 10, is provided.The swimwear bra 10 can comprise sections of thin, sheer exterior fabric12 that is drapeable and stretchable and that forms cups, or bra fronts,14 for receiving breasts of the wearer. The bra fronts 14 can beconnected by a center gore 15 at seams 13. Straps 16 can extend upwardfrom the bra fronts 14 and circle around to back band portions 17, whichare secured to fabric 12 of the bra fronts 14 by side seams 19 to formarm openings. To provide modesty for the wearer of the swimwear bra,disc concealers 20 can be added within an interior of the bra fronts 14made from the thin exterior fabric 12 in the positioned indicated by thearrows. The disc concealers 20 can comprise fabrics, such as drapeableand stretchable woven, knit or nonwoven fabrics, wearable filmmaterials, or combinations thereof, as will be explained further below.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a garment, in the form of a swimwear bra,generally designated 10, is provided. The garment 10 can comprise athin, sheer exterior fabric 12 as explained above that forms interiors14A and exteriors 14B of bra front portions 14 of the garment 10 forreceiving breasts of a female wearer. The swimsuit bra 10 can comprisedisc concealers 20 secured to the interiors 14A of the bra fronts 14formed by the thin exterior fabric 12. The disc concealers 20 aresecured at a position where the female wearer's breast resides to add athin sheer extra layer around the interior area of the garment where anipple of the breast is intended to reside. The disc concealers 20 arenot padding or thick fabric but comprise a drapeable fabric, filmmaterial or some combination thereof, that allows the garment 10 tostill be drape or be form-fitting without adding bulk or unwantedcreases or bulges in the bra fronts when worn. In some embodiments, thedisc concealers 20 can have a thickness that is the same or less than athickness of the thin exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior portionof the garment. In some embodiments, the fabric disc concealers 20 canhave a thickness that is the same or less than about two times thethickness of the thin exterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior portionof the garment.

Unlike other linings or liners, the disc concealers 20 are not attachedat the structural seams 13, 19 of the garment 10, but are secured to aliner or the exterior fabric 12 separate and apart from the structuralseams of the garment. For example, at some locations in some garmentembodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance D_(C) of about twoand half (2½) inches or less away from the nearest structural seam. Atsome locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can bea distance D_(C) of about two (2) inches or less away from the neareststructural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the discconcealer 20 can be a distance D_(C) of about one and a half (1½) inchesor less away from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in somegarment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance D_(C) ofabout one (1) inch or less away from the nearest structural seam. Atsome locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can bea distance D_(C) of about 0.5 (½) or less inches away from the neareststructural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the discconcealer 20 can be a distance D_(C) of about 0.25 (¼) or less inchesaway from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garmentembodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be a distance D_(C) of about0.125 (⅛) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam.

The disc concealers 20 can be secured within the bra front 14 and/or tothe exterior fabric 12 in different manners. The disc concealer 20 canbe secured by an adhesive or adhesive material. As used herein, theterms “adhesive” and “adhesive material” are used interchangeable. Forexample, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the disc concealers20 can be secured to the interior portion 14A of the bra front 14 of theexterior fabric 12 with garment tape 22. The garment tape 22 can be, forexample, a narrow stretchable bonding tape having a width of about ¼ ofan inch to about ⅜ of an inch, such as FRAMIS manufactured in Italy. Thetape 22 can be a dual side adhesive tape. Using the tape 22, the discconcealers 20 and the exterior fabric 12 can be heat sealed togetheralong the edges of the disc concealers 20. The tape 22 can be positionedbetween the exterior fabric 12 and the disc concealers 20 along theedges of disc concealers 20 so that the portions of disc concealers 20inward from the edges are separate from the thin exterior fabric 12 canmove more freely. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer can comprisesmall intermittently spaced adhesive areas, known as adhesive dots orglue dots that can be heat activated as will be explained further below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the size and shape of the fabric disc concealers 20can varying to an extend depending on the size of the garment 10 and theintended user. For instance, the disc concealers 20 can be heart-shapeddiscs 40, star-shaped discs 42, oval-shaped discs 44, or the like. Otherexamples not shown can include elliptical shapes discs, triangulardiscs, hexagonal discs, octagonal discs, or other polygonal-shaped discsor the like. Similarly, each of the disc concealers 20 can comprise theshapes of different objects, such as a leaf or the like. For someembodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise circular fabric dischaving a diameter D of between about two (2) inches and six (6) inches(as shown in FIG. 1). For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter Dof the disc concealers 20 can be about two and half (2½) inches. Forexamples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the disc concealers 20can be about four and half (4½) inches.

In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 cancomprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 7oz/yard² or less. In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of thegarment 10 can comprise a fabric that weight about 10 oz./yd.² or less.In some embodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 cancomprise a fabric that weight about 5.5 oz./yd.² or less. In someembodiments, the exterior fabric 12 of the garment 10 can comprise afabric that weight about 4.5 oz./yd.² or less.

The disc concealers 20 can be any type of fabric and/or other wearablematerial, such as a wearable film material, or combination thereof thatcan have the same or similar stretch and drapability as the exteriorfabric 12 in order to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or“bare” as possible, while still adding that extra layer at specificportions of the garment to provide modesty. For example, the fabric ofthe disc concealers 20 can be a stretchable nonwoven or knit fabric. Insome embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprises a stretchableknitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard² or less. In someembodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise knitted fabrics havingyarns comprising polyester, nylon, elastane, wool, silk, cotton, rayon,bamboo, or combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, thedisc concealers 20 can comprise a knitted fabric comprising nylon andelastane.

The disc concealers 20 can also have different images thereon that arevisible when viewing the interior portion 14A of the garment that facesthe body of the wearer but is not visible from the exterior 14B. Forexample, images of flowers, stars, leaves, the moon, or the like, can beprinted on the side of the disc concealer 20 facing outward when securedto the interior 14A of the garment 10. For example, an image of a leafcan be printed on the leaf-shaped disc concealer 20.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 48, another embodiment of a garment in theform of a swimwear bra, generally designated 10, is provided that isconfigured to cover breasts of a female wearer. As above, the swimwearbra 10 can comprise sections of a thin, fine gauge, drapeable, sheerexterior fabric 12 that forms at least an outer portion of bra fronts,or cups, 14, or exterior 148, for receiving breasts of the wearer. Thebra fronts 14 can be connected to a center gore 15 by structural seams13. Straps 16 can extend upward from the bra fronts 14 and circle aroundto back band portions 17, which are secured to fabric 12 of the brafronts 14 by side seams 19 to form arm openings.

The garment 10 can be a lightly lined garment that can further comprisefirst liners 30 comprising a thin, sheer fabric. For example, in someembodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric that weight about10 oz./yd.² or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 30 cancomprise a fabric that weight about 7 oz./yd.² or less. In someembodiments, the first liner 30 can comprise a fabric that weight about5.5 oz./yd.² or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 30 cancomprise a fabric that weight about 4.5 oz./yd.² or less.

The first liners 30 can be secured to an interior portion of theexterior fabric 12 that forms the exterior 14B to form an interior 14Aof the bra fronts 14 on a frontal portion of the garment 10. The garment10 can comprise disc concealers 20 secured to an interior portion of thefirst liners 30 at a position where the female wearer's breast isintended to reside to add a thin sheer extra layer around the interiorarea of the bra fronts 14 where a nipple of the breast is intended toreside. As above, in some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can have athickness that is the same or less than a thickness of the exteriorfabric 12 that forms the exterior 14B of the cups 14 of the garment 10.In some embodiments, the thickness of the disc concealer can be abouttwice the thickness of the exterior fabric 12.

To provide a sheer-fitting, the thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 can bedrapeable and can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weightof about 7 oz/yard² or less. The disc concealers 20 can be any type offabric or other fine material, including but not limited to, filmmaterial or laminates comprising one or more layers of fabrics and/orfilm. The disc concealers 20 can have the same or similar stretch anddrapability as the exterior fabric 12 in order to function in a way thatmakes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, while still adding thatextra layer at specific portions of the garment. For example, the fabricof the fabric disc concealers 20 can be a stretchable nonwoven or knitfabric. If a woven fabric can provide the same or similar stretch anddrapability as the exterior fabric 12, then such a woven fabric can beused to make the disc concealers 20. In some embodiments, the discconcealers 20 can comprise a stretchable knitted fabric having a weightof about 5.5 oz/yard² or less. For example, the fabric disc concealers20 comprises a nylon elastane knit fabric.

Unlike other linings or liners, the fabric disc concealers 20 are notattached at the structural seams 13, 19 of the garment 10 that hold thesection of the overall garment together, but are secured to a liner orthe exterior fabric 12 separate and apart from those structural seams13, 19 of the garment 10 as above. By having disc concealers 20 that donot extend to the structural seams of the garment 10, waste can also beminimized while still providing modesty coverage for the wearer. Forexample, in the embodiments, the disc concealer 20 can be secured to aliner by an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the disc concealers20 can be secured to the first liner 30 with garment tape around an edgeof the discs 20 through a heat-sealing process. The tape is applied witha dual side adhesive, so the disc concealers 20 can be applied directlyto the liner 30. The disc concealers 20 can be attached to the inside ofthe liner 30, making the disc an interliner (not shown), sandwichedbetween the first liner 30 and the exterior fabric 12 that forms theface of the garment, making the disc invisible to the wearer.Alternatively, the disc concealers 20 can be bonded to the exterior ofthe liner 30 that forms an interior portion 14B of the bra fronts 14 ofthe garment 10, facing towards the wearer's skin in a visible way. Insome embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, the disc concealers 20 can besecured to the portion of the first liner 30 that forms an interiorportion 14A of the cup 14 facing towards the wearer's skin in a visiblemanner with stitching 24 around an edge of the disc concealers 20 facingtowards the wearers skin. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the discconcealers 20 can be secured by stitching to the inside of the liner 30,making the disc concealers 20 interliners (not shown), sandwichedbetween the first liner 30 and the face of the garment, making the discinvisible to the wearer. Such stitching for securing the disc concealers20 to the liners 30 form nonstructural seams that are not critical tothe functionality of the garment like structural seams are. As above,the size and shape of the disc concealers 20 can vary as shown in FIG. 3to an extend depending on the size of the garment 10 and the intendeduser. For some embodiments, the disc concealers 20 can comprise circularfabric disc having a diameter D of between about two (2) inches and six(6) inches (as shown in FIG. 1). For examples, in some embodiments, thediameter D of the disc concealers 20 can be about four and half (4½)inches. For examples, in some embodiments, the diameter D of the discconcealers 20 can be about four and half (4½) inches. By keeping thesize of the disc concealer small, waste can be reduced as well.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, an embodiment of a lightly lined garmentbottom, generally designated 50, is provided. The garment bottom 50, into the form of a swimwear pant bottom, can comprise sections of exteriorfabric 52 that forms exterior of the garment bottom 50. The garmentbottom 50 can further comprise a first liner 54 comprising a thin, sheerfabric. The first liner 54 can be secured along structural seams 56 toan interior portion of the exterior fabric 52 that forms the exterior568 of the garment bottom 50 as shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments,the first liner 54 can comprise a fabric that weight about 10 oz./yd.²or less. In some embodiments, the first liner 64 can comprise a fabricthat weight about 7 oz./yd.² or less. In some embodiments, the firstliner 54 can comprise a fabric that weight about 5.5 oz./yd.² or less.In some embodiments, the first liner 64 can comprise a fabric thatweight about 4.5 oz./yd.² or less.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show the exterior fabric 52 turned inside out to showthe interior 59 of the garment bottom 50 with different shaped discconcealers 80, 60A secured to the liner 54. As shown in Figures SB andSC, the garment bottom 50 can comprise a disc concealer 60, 60A securedto an interior portion of the liner 54 at a position where the femalewearer's intimate reproductive region is intended to reside to add athin extra layer having the same or similar stretchable or drapeabilityas the exterior fabric. As above, in some embodiments, the discconcealers 60, 60A can have a thickness that is the same or less than athickness of the exterior fabric 52 that forms the exterior 58 of thegarment bottom 50.

The exterior fabric 52 can be drapeable and can comprise a stretchableknitted fabric having a weight of about 7 oz/yard² or less. The discconcealers 60, 60A can be any shape or size as those shown in FIGS. 5Band 5C that provide modesty to the wearer. The fabric of the fabric discconcealers 80, 60A can be any type of fabric or other fine material,including but not limited to, film material or laminates comprising oneor more layers of fabrics and/or film can have the same or similarstretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 52 in order to functionin a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” as possible, whilestill adding that extra layer at specific portions of the garment toprovide modesty. For example, the material of the disc concealers 60,60A can be a stretchable and drapeable nonwoven or knit fabric. In someembodiments, the disc concealers 60, 60A can comprise a stretchableknitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard² or less. Forexample, the disc concealers 60, 60A can comprise knitted fabrics havingyarns comprising polyester, nylon, elastane, wool, silk, cotton, rayon,bamboo, or combinations thereof.

The disc concealers 60 are not attached at the structural seams 56 ofthe garment bottom 50 but are secured to the liner 54 or the thin, sheerexterior fabric 62 separate and apart from the structural seams 56 ofthe garment bottom 50. For example, at some locations in some garmentembodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance D_(C) of about0.03125 ( 1/32) or more inches away from the nearest structural seam. Atsome locations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can bea distance D_(C) of about 0.125 (⅛) or less inches away from the neareststructural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the discconcealer 60 can be a distance D_(C) of about 0.25 (¼) or less inchesaway from the nearest structural seam. At some locations in some garmentembodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be a distance D_(C) of about 0.5(½) or less inches away from the nearest structural seam. At somelocations in some garment embodiments, the disc concealer 60 can be adistance D_(C) of about one (1) inch or less away from the neareststructural seam. At some locations in some garment embodiments, the discconcealer 60 can be a distance D_(C) of about two (2) inches or lessaway from the nearest structural seam.

The disc concealers 60 can be secured indifferent ways. For example,disc concealers 60 can be secured by adhesive, or adhesive material. Insome embodiments, the disc concealers 60, 60A can be secured to theinterior portion of the liner 54 with garment tape around an edge of thedisc concealers 60, 60A through a heat-sealing process as discussedabove. The tape can be applied with a dual side adhesive, so the discconcealers 60, 60A can be applied directly to the liner 54. The discconcealers 60, 60A can be attached through a heat-sealing process to theinside of the liner 54, making the disc concealers an interliner,sandwiched between the first liner 54 and the thin, sheer exteriorfabric 52 that forms the face of the garment bottom 50, making the discinvisible to the wearer. Alternatively, the disc concealers 60, 60A canbe secured by stitching to the inside of the liner 30, making the discconcealers 60, 60A interliners, sandwiched between the liner 54 and theexterior fabric 52 that forms the face of the garment bottom 50.

The intention of the disc concealers 20, 40, 42, 44, 60, 60A are to havethe same or similar properties as the outer fabric, including stretchand drapability, so the wearer intimate areas look as natural aspossible in her swimwear or intimate undergarments. It eliminates theneed for a bulky foam pad, yet offers modesty to the clientele whoprefer it.

FIG. 6A illustrates a bra front portion of a swimwear bra 10 cancomprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14A of brafront 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer. Theswimsuit bra 10 can comprise disc concealer 20 that is to be secured tothe interior 14A of the bra front 14 formed by the thin exterior fabric12. The disc concealer 20 is secured at a position where the femalewearer's breast resides to add a thin pliable extra layer around theinterior area of the garment where a nipple of the breast is intended toreside. The disc concealer 20 can have the same or similarstretchability and drapeability as the exterior fabric 12. An adhesivelayer 25 can be placed on an interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment10. The adhesive layer 25 can be can comprise small intermittentlyspaced adhesive areas, known as adhesive dots 25A. The adhesive dots 25Acan be heat and/or pressure activated. The disc concealers 20 can beplace on and secured to the adhesive layer 25 to secure the discconcealer 20 to the exterior fabric 12, or if present a liner (notshown) that resides over the exterior fabric 12 on the inner side of theexterior fabric 12 that is configured to face the body of the wearer.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrates other bra front portions of a swimwear bra10 can comprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14Aof bra front 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a femalewearer with a different disc concealer 70. The disc concealer 70 cancomprise a top concealer layer 72 and a second bottom concealer layer74. The top concealer layer 72 can be secured to the bottom concealerlayer 74 by an adhesive material, such as an adhesive layer 76, to forma laminate. Once formed, the disc concealer 70 can then is secured tothe interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10. As shown in FIG. 6B,for example, in some embodiments, the disc concealer 70 can be securedto the interior 14A of bra front 14 of the garment 10 using adhesivematerial, such as an adhesive layer 25 of adhesive dots 25A as describedabove. As shown in FIG. 6C, as a further example, in some embodiments,the disc concealer 70 can be secured to the interior 14A of bra front 14of the garment 10 using an adhesive layer 25 of adhesive tape 22.

FIG. 6D illustrates a bra front portion of a swimwear bra 10 cancomprise a thin, sheer exterior fabric 12 that forms interior 14A of brafront 14 of the garment 10 for receiving breasts of a female wearer. Theswimsuit bra 10 can comprise disc concealer 80 that is to be secured tothe interior 14A of the bra front 14 formed by the thin exterior fabric12. The disc concealer 80 can comprise a film material that does notirritate the skin of the wearer. For example, the disc concealer 80 canbe transferred onto the interior 14A of the bra front 14 using a heattransfer label. By having small disc concealers that do not extend tothe structural seams of the garment, bulk within the garment can bereduced and waste minimized while still providing modesty coverage forthe wearer.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a garment in the form of at-shirt, generally designated 90, is provided. The t-shirt 90 is turnedinside out showing the interior 90A of the t-shirt 90 that faces andcontacts the body of the wearer when worn. The t-shirt 90 can comprisesections of a thin, fine gauge, drapeable exterior fabric 92 that formsat least an outer portion or exterior of the t-shirt 90. The t-shirt 90can comprise a disc concealer 20 that is to be secured to the interior90 of the t-shirt 90 formed by the thin exterior fabric 92. To providemodesty for the wearer of the t-shirt 90, disc concealers 100 can beadded on the interior 90A made from the exterior fabric 92. The discconcealers 100 can be any type of fabric and/or other wearable material,such as a wearable film material, or combination thereof that can havethe same or similar stretch and drapability as the exterior fabric 92 inorder to function in a way that makes it look as minimal or “bare” aspossible, while still adding that extra layer at specific portions ofthe garment to provide modesty. The disc concealers 100 can comprisefabrics, such as drapeable and stretchable woven, knit or nonwovenfabrics, wearable film materials, or combinations thereof, as describedabove. The disc concealer 20 can be secured by an adhesive or adhesivematerial that allows the exterior fabric 92 to drape and flow the sameor similarly to the natural drape of the exterior fabric 92. Forexample, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28, the disc concealers20 can be secured to the interior 90A of the exterior fabric 92 withgarment tape or adhesive dots.

The disc concealers 100 are not attached at structural seams 94, 96, 98of the garment 90 but are secured to the exterior fabric 92 separate andapart from the structural seams 94, 96, 98 of the t-shirt 90. Dependingon the size of the t-shirt 90 and the size of the concealers 100, thedistances D_(C1), D_(C2) between the edges of the concealers 100 to theclosest structural seams 94, 96, 98 can vary as described above. Othergarments such as dresses like sundresses can employer disc concealers insimilar fashions as to t-shirt 90.

These and other modifications and variations to the present subjectmatter may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, whichis more particularly set forth herein above. In addition, it should beunderstood the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangedboth in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of exampleonly, and is not intended to limit the present subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment comprising: a thin, sheer exteriorfabric that forms an exterior portion of the garment and structuralseams that hold the exterior fabric to other sections of the garment;and a disc concealer being secured to an interior portion of the garmentwithout being connected at the structural seams at a position wherereproductive area of a wearer will reside upon the wearer wearing thegarment to added a thin extra layer around the interior area of thegarment where the reproductive region is intended to reside.
 2. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein the disc concealer is secured tothe interior portion of the thin, sheer exterior fabric with garmenttape.
 3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the fabric discconcealer comprises circular fabric disc having a diameter of about 2½inches.
 4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the thin, sheerexterior fabric comprises a stretchable knitted fabric having a weightof about 7 oz/yard² or less.
 5. The garment according to claim 1,wherein the disc concealer comprises a stretchable knitted fabric havinga weight of about 5.5 oz/yard² or less.
 6. The garment according toclaim 5, wherein the disc concealer comprises a nylon elastane knitfabric.
 7. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the disc concealerhas a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of theexterior fabric that forms the exterior portion of the garment.
 8. Thegarment according to claim 1, wherein the thin, sheer exterior fabricforms an exterior bra front portion of the garment for receiving abreast of a female wearer and the fabric disc concealer is securedwithin the bra front portion at a position where the female wearer'sbreast is intended to reside to add an extra layer around the interiorarea of the bra front portion where a nipple of the breast is intendedto reside.
 9. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the discconcealer is secure at distance of at least about two and half (2½)inches from a closest structural seam.
 10. A garment that covers atleast one or more reproductive regions of a female wearer, the garmentcomprising: a thin, sheer exterior fabric that forms an exterior portionof the garment; a first liner comprising a thin, sheer fabric, the firstliner secured over an interior portion of the exterior fabric of thegarment at structural seams of the garment holding the exterior fabricin the garment; and a disc concealer being secured to the first liner ata position where a reproductive region of the female wearer is intendedto reside within the garment to add an extra layer to further concealthe reproductive region of the female wearer.
 11. The garment accordingto claim 10, wherein the exterior fabric comprises a stretchable knittedfabric having a weight of about 7 oz/yard² or less.
 12. The garmentaccording to claim 10, wherein the disc concealer comprises astretchable knitted fabric having a weight of about 5.5 oz/yard² orless.
 13. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the disc concealerhas a thickness that is the same or less than a thickness of theexterior fabric that forms the exterior portion of the garment.
 14. Thegarment according to claim 10, wherein the disc concealer is secured tothe interior portion of the first liner with garment tape around an edgeof the fabric disc.
 15. The garment according to claim 10, wherein thefabric disc concealer is secured to the interior portion of the firstliner with stitching around an edge of the fabric disc.
 16. A method forproviding modesty coverage for a wearer within a garment, the methodcomprising: providing a thin, sheer exterior fabric that forms anexterior portion of the garment; providing a fabric disc concealer;securing the exterior fabric in the garment along structural seams toform a functional garment; securing the fabric disc concealer within thegarment at a position where a reproductive region of a wearer isintended to reside proximate to the exterior fabric within the garmentto add a thin extra layer to further conceal the reproductive region ofthe wearer.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step ofsecuring the fabric disc concealer comprises securing the fabricconcealer to the exterior fabric using adhesive material.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising providing a first linercomprising a thin, sheer fabric and securing the first liner over aninterior portion of the exterior fabric of the garment at the structuralseams of the garment holding the exterior fabric in the garment.
 19. Themethod according to claim 18, wherein the step of securing the fabricdisc concealer comprises securing the fabric concealer to the firstliner using adhesive material.
 20. The method according to claim 18,wherein the step of securing the fabric disc concealer comprisesstitching the fabric concealer to the first liner.